WITH ARCHAEOLOGIST WILLIAM SATURNO December 7–15, 2019

THE

MAYATHE MAYA Hidden Worlds Revealed DECEMBER 7–15, 2019

Hidden Worlds Revealed

STUDY LEADERS Study LeaderWILLIAM SATURNO has received numerous National Geographic grants to support his

excavation of ancient Maya murals and artifacts. His breakthrough discovery at San Bartolo of the oldest intact Maya murals yet found became the focus of the January 2006 National Geographic magazine article “The Dawn of Maya Gods and Kings," and the June 2012 issue described his recent unearthing of murals at Xultún. Bill has also served as Field Director of the Río Amarillo Archaeological Project in Western Honduras, examining the relation-ships of Maya cities around Copán.

A native Yucatecan, Tour Manager MARGARET “WIGGIE” ANDREWS is the daughter of the late well-known archaeologist

E. Wyllys Andrews. She is a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in art history, and has studied in France, Italy, and Egypt. Wiggie has worked extensively at Chichen Itza helping to interpret and record Maya glyphs and stone carvings and has co-authored two papers on this subject. She is fluent in French, Spanish and English. Wiggie’s husband, Chris Holder, is assisting her on this trip.

COVER PHOTOS, TOP: Chichen Itza. BOTTOM, L TO R:

Mango and huaya at fruit market; ruins at Coba; baking tortillas in a traditional Mayan hut; Yucatecan young woman.

Mangroves and frigate birds, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Dear Commonwealth Club Member,

T HE MAYA, A MESOAMERICAN CIVILIZATION noted for the only

known, fully developed, written language of the pre-Columbian

Americas, also made remarkable advances in art, architecture,

mathematics, and astronomical systems.

This rich itinerary allows us to explore grand Maya ceremonial centers—

Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum, and Coba—as well as the more-remote but

impressive sites at Labna, Sayil, and Mayapan. Also discover the rich

natural world of the Maya at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on the

Caribbean coast’s “Riviera Maya.”

Along with Maya experts William Saturno and Margaret “Wiggie”

Andrews, this trip will delve deep into the world of the ancient Maya in

a way few others can. To make your reservation, please return the

attached reservation form, call us at 415.597.6720, or e-mail us at

travel@commonwealthclub.org.

Sincerely,

Kristina Nemeth

Travel Director

THE MAYA Hidden Worlds Revealed DECEMBER 7–15, 2019

LabnaLychee fruit,

Mérida market

ITINERARYS AT U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 7

Home + Mérida, MexicoArrive in Mérida and transfer to our hotel. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner highlighting the Yucatan’s regional specialties. INTERCONTINENTAL PRESIDENTE HOTEL (R,D)

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 8

MéridaAfter a welcome lecture, enjoy Sunday in Mérida, when the colonial city center is closed to auto traffic. Stroll around Mérida’s principal gathering place, Plaza Grande, and its nearby colorful market where modern-day Maya sell colorful hammocks, embroidered huipils, or traditional blouses. Learn about Mérida’s colonial history at the Cathedral, Palacio Montejo, and Casa Museo Montes Molina. Continue to the Parque Santa Lucia and its restaurants and lively atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy Mérida at leisure. INTERCONTINENTAL PRESIDENTE HOTEL (B,L)

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 9

UxmalTravel south to meet local artisans in the village of Muna before lunch at Hacienda Ochil, a restored henequen (agave) planta-tion. Continue to the ruins of Uxmal for our first encounter with the magnificent vestiges of the ancient Maya. Built into the rolling Puuc landscape, Uxmal is one of the only Maya cities without a geometric layout. Explore the sprawling complex, examining the ornate carvings on the Pyramid of the Magician and the magnificent two-headed jaguar throne at the entrance to the Governor’s Palace. THE LODGE AT UXMAL (B,L,D)

Sayil

Mayapan

Cancún

YUCATAN

G u l f o f M e x i c o

C a r i b b e a nS e a

Mérida

Uxmal Kabah

Labna

ValladolidChichén Itzá

Coba

Tulum

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Iguana in front of Chichen Itza’s sacred cenote, or “Well of Sacrifice”

Folkloric dancer

Los Lirios Hotel beach

Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal

T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 0

Labna + Sayil + KabahVisit the nearby outlying ruins of Labna, Sayil, and Kabah. The ancient monuments share the same beautiful Puuc architectural style, and yet each site reflects its own distinctive and special character. Of particular interest are the remarkable three-story, colonnaded palace in Sayil with its richly decorated friezes depicting mythological figures, and the fantastic Rain-God-covered facade of the Kodz Pop (“rolled mat”) palace in Kabah. Return to Uxmal this evening for an impressive sound and light show. THE LODGE AT UXMAL (B,L,D)

W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 1

MayapanVisit the archaeological site of Mayapan, the administrative center of the Yucatan Peninsula in Postclassic times. The ground plan and architectural style of the largest structure is thought to have been fashioned after the Castillo in Chichen Itza. Afterwards, cool off with a refreshing dip in a nearby cenote (natural well) and help make tortillas for a delicious lunch prepared on-site by local chefs. This afternoon, learn about the culture and customs of modern-day Maya people on a visit to a local village. Arrive this evening at your hotel adjacent to Chichen Itza. THE LODGE AT CHICHEN ITZA (B,L,D)

T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 2

Chichen ItzaSpend the day exploring Chichen Itza, often dubbed one of the new seven wonders of the world. Enter a world of fascinating mythology as you discover the southern complex, including the Observatory, the Tomb of the High Priest, and the Nunnery. In the large complex of North Chichen, see towering pyramids and temples surrounded by smaller sites, including the ancient

marketplace, the sweat bath, and the largest Maya ball court ever found. THE LODGE AT CHICHEN ITZA (B,L,D)

F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 3

Valladolid + Coba + TulumVisit Valladolid, a quaint Yucatan town which figured importantly in the Caste War dur-ing the 1800s. Continue onwards to Coba, one of the leading Maya centers, where the earliest stela dates back to the year 623 A.D. With towering temples (including one over 130 feet), and lush tropical vegetation, this city is strikingly similar to many found in the Guatemalan lowlands. Arrive at your hotel overlooking a beautiful Caribbean beach near Tulum late this afternoon. LOS LIRIOS HOTEL (B,L,D)

S AT U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 4

Tulum + Sian Ka’an Biosphere ReserveExplore the splendid Maya city of Tulum this morning. These ruins are spectacularly situated on a cliff that rises high above the teal-blue Caribbean water. Tulum is an excellent example of the very late Postclassic form of compact settlement within fortified walls. Of special note here are the carvings at the Temple of the Descending God. Continue to the pristine natural beauty of the Sian Ka’an Reserve and explore its lagoons and wetlands by boat. Celebrate your journey this evening with a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. LOS LIRIOS HOTEL (B,L,R,D)

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 5

Cancun + HomeTransfer to the Cancun airport for flights home. (B)

PHOTO CREDITS (From Dreamstime.com): CHICHEN ITZA ©Atanasbozhikov; TROPICAL FRUITS ©Gueroloco28; COBA ©Anna Artamonova; TORTILLAS ©Cristina Stoian; BOAT-BILLED HERON ©Jean-luc Azou; TULUM ©Andrew Howard; MERIDA CATHEDRAL ©Lunamarina; MANGROVES ©Jesse Kraft; LYCHEE ©Gueroloco28; LABNA ©Alexandre Fagundes De Fagundes; IGUANA ©David Pillow; FOLKLORIC DANCERS ©Bernardo Ertl; UXMAL ©Pierrot46; MAYAPAN ©Javarman. WOMAN ON COVER ©Jason Graham. LOS LIRIOS HOTEL BEACH Courtesy of Los Lirios Hotel.

GENERAL INFORMATION

TOUR COSTS$5,990 per person, sharing

$1,690 single supplement

GROUP SIZE Minimum 15, maximum 28 participants

WHAT IS INCLUDED 8 nights of deluxe hotel ac-commodations

All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary

Full program of briefings, lectures and presentations

Group airport transfers on group arrival and departure days

Baggage handling Gratuities to porters, wait-staff, guides and drivers

Entrance fees Welcome and farewell wine receptions

House wine, beer, and soft drinks with welcome and farewell dinners

Bottled water on motor-coaches

Professional tour manager

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED U.S. domestic and international airfare

Passport/visa expenses Medical expenses and immunizations

Airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure days

Travel insurance Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour

Excess baggage charges Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted

Laundry or dry cleaning Telephone, fax, internet and email charges

Room service Other items of a personal nature

WHAT TO EXPECT In order to make the most of what each locale has to offer, our daily program will be active. Much of the time each day will be spent outdoors, often in the sun, exploring archaeological sites where walking will range from easy walks on level paths to more strenuous walks on hilly, uneven terrain. While we maintain a moderate pace throughout the program, you should be in good overall health and able to walk and stand for several hours at the archaeological sites (although there are resting spots along the way). There is a fair

Sayil

Mayapan

Cancún

YUCATAN

G u l f o f M e x i c o

C a r i b b e a nS e a

Mérida

Uxmal Kabah

Labna

ValladolidChichén Itzá

Coba

Tulum

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Mayapan ruins

To reserve space, please complete the reservation form and mail it with your check or credit card information to 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105. You may also fax the form to (415) 597-6729 and your reservation will be held pending receipt of your check or credit card information. If you have questions, please call (415) 597-6720 or email travel@commonwealthclub.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION (please print)

NAME #1

PREFERRED NAME FOR NAME BADGE

NAME #2

PREFERRED NAME FOR NAME BADGE

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP / POSTAL CODE

HOME PHONE MOBILE PHONE

E-MAIL

PAYMENT

Enclosed is my check for $ __________ ($1,000 per person payable to Criterion Travel), to reserve ______ place(s) on The Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed program ORPlease charge my deposit of $ __________ ($1,000 per person) to

my credit card: VISA MC AMEX DISCOVER

NAME ON CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD #

CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bed preference in hotels (not guaranteed): TWO BEDS ONE BED

SINGLE TRAVELERS

I prefer to have single accommodations. I plan to share accommodations with: ________________________ I would like to know about roommates. (not guaranteed).

I am a smoker / non-smoker. I understand that if a roommate cannot be located for me by the final payment date of August 9, 2019, I will pay the single rate.

We require membership to The Commonwealth Club to travel with us. Please check one of the following options:

I am a current member of The Commonwealth Club. Please renew my membership with the credit card information

provided here. I will visit commonwealthclub.org/membership to sign up for a

membership.

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions section of this brochure and understand and agree with them as stated herein. I/We understand that the detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability will be sent to me/us for signature after registration, and is available for review prior, upon request.

SIGNATURE DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

RESERVATION FORM

amount of traveling during the program, which will be by modern, air-conditioned motor coach on roads that range from modern super-highways to narrower, winding roads. Daily drives range from one to two hours when traveling from one site to another. Temperatures will tend to reach into the mid to high 80s (°F) during the day, dropping into the 60s in the early mornings and evening, and with the high humidity it can feel even hotter.

AIR ARRANGEMENTS PLEASE NOTE: U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Airtreks can help with airline arrangements for this trip and can be reached at (800) 350-0646. You are also welcome to book your air transportation through your local travel agent, an online travel site, or the airline of your choice. Further information about making flight arrangements will be sent to all participants.

ELIGIBILITY We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit commonwealthclub.org/membership or call (415) 597-6720.

TERMS & CONDITIONSComplete Terms and Conditions including Statement of Responsibility will be made available to you at time of registration, or in advance upon request. A signed release is required from each applicant prior to participation on the tour.

INSURANCE Travel insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, medical problems, baggage loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended. Trip cancel-lation policies that apply to this expedition are included in this brochure. Information about travel insurance will be sent to confirmed participants. Please be sure to carry the details of your travel insurance coverage with you on the program.

RESERVATIONS & DEPOSITS To reserve space, please complete the reservation form and mail it with your check or credit card

information to the address at the top of the form. You may also fax the form to (415) 597-6729 and your reservation will be held pending receipt of your check or credit card information. If you have questions, please call (415) 597-6720 or email travel@commonwealthclub.org. Final payment deadline is August 9, 2019, 120 days prior to departure.

A NOTE ABOUT COSTS Tour costs are based upon current airfares, taxes, tariffs, currency values, and on the basis of a minimum of 15 participants. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices and/or tax rates, a surcharge may be added to your tour fee (e.g. internal flights, cruises, VAT, etc.). If there are significant changes, details and costs will be advised prior to departure.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Upon payment of a $1,000 deposit per person, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by the Commonwealth Club. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Final payment is due August 9, 2019 (120 days prior to departure). Cancellations within 120 days of departure are 100% nonrefundable. For this reason, we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If the program is cancelled by Criterion Travel, you will receive a full refund, without further obligation on our part. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to participate. Neither Criterion Travel nor The Commonwealth Club of California accept liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in conjunction with this tour.

California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40CST #2096889-40

Your RESERVATION

HighlightsExplore four of the most important Maya sites in the world: UXMAL, CHICHEN

ITZA, TULUM, and COBA.

Visit the superb yet lesser-known sites of LABNA, SAYIL, KABAH, and MAYAPAN.

Explore the SIAN KA’AN

BIOSPHERE RESERVE by boat and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Maya Riviera.

Explore local crafts at the Sunday market in MÉRIDA and learn about the life of the modern Maya during a village visit.

Meet with LOCAL

EXPERTS to learn about the region’s natural and cultural legacies.

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 604

Sacramento, CA

San Idefonso Catheldral, Mérida

Ruins in Tulum

Boat-billedheron

110 The EmbarcaderoSan Francisco, CA 94105

THE MAYA Hidden Worlds Revealed DECEMBER 7–15, 2019